About the Rediscovery of the Diamond Fields of South Africa

"The existence of diamonds in South Africa" (remarks Mr. Boyle, in his interesting work, "To the Cape for Diamonds") "had been several times asserted before the English conquest of Cape Colony. It was so far accredited in the middle of the last century, that the words, 'Here be diamonds,' are to be seen inscribed across our modern territory of Griqualand West, in a mission map of 1750, or thereabouts. The probability of such discoveries had also been pointed out by various men of science, the late Sir Roderick Murchison, among others. The old Dutch residents of Cape Town appear to have been quite astir upon the matter on several occasions; but as years passed on the ancient rumour died away. Men had to search back for memories long buried, when Governor Wodehouse set the colony in agitation by exhibiting the 'Hopetown Diamond,' in 1867. That Bushmen, Corannas, and other tribes of low condition, used the gem mechanically from immemorial time, seems to be quite ascertained. They still remember how their fathers made periodical visits to the rivers of West Griqualand, seeking diamonds to bore their 'weighting stones.'

"The re-discovery, however, took place in 1867. At that date, a shrewd trader, named Niekirk, passing through a country forty miles or so to the west of Hopetown, saw the children of a Boer, called Jacobs, playing with pebbles picked up along the banks of the neighbouring Orange. Struck with the appearance of one among their playthings, Niekirk told Vrouw Jacobs that it reminded him of the white shining stones mentioned in the Bible. As he uttered the words, an ostrich-hunter, named O'Reilly, chanced to pass the doorway of the house. He overheard, entered, and was also impressed. Vague ideas of a diamond--which none of the three had ever seen--passed through their minds. They tried the pebble upon glass, scratching the sash all over, as I have seen it at this day. A bargain was struck. O'Reilly took the stone for sale, and each of the parties present were to share. At Capetown, upon the verdict of Dr. Atherstone, Sir P. E. Wodehouse gave 500 pound for it. The news of this discovery spread fast, and there was a general rush to the diamond fields.

"In 1869, a Hottentot shepherd, named Schwarzboy, brought to Mr. Gers' store, at the Hook, a gem of 83 1/2 carats, the 'Star of Africa,' wide-famed. In Mr. Gers' absence, the shopman did not like to risk the 200 pound worth of goods demanded. Schwarzboy passed on to the farm of that same Niekirk already mentioned. Here he demanded 400 pound, which Niekirk ultimately paid, receiving 12,000 pound from Messrs. Lilienfeld the same day. The diamond was passed to Capetown, and all the colony rose."